East Asia Wrap: Marinos triumph in Yokohama Derby; Jeonbuk get much-needed win

Mon, 10 Apr, 2023

East Asia Wrap: Marinos triumph in Yokohama Derby; Jeonbuk get much-needed win

Hong Kong: Reigning champions Yokohama F. Marinos moved three points behind leaders Vissel Kobe in Japan after a comprehensive 5-0 win over Yokohama FC in the Yokohama Derby on Saturday as Takayuki Yoshida’s Vissel were held goalless by Albirex Niigata. 

In Korea Republic, under-pressure Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors posted a much-needed 2-0 win over Incheon United on Sunday while Ulsan Hyundai maintained their perfect start to their title defence. Matches also took place in Hong Kong and Macau, so join the-AFC.com as we review the week’s action from across East Asia.

West Asia Wrap: Al Duhail lift Qatar Cup; Al Ittihad surge clear in Saudi Arabia

Mon, 10 Apr, 2023

West Asia Wrap: Al Duhail lift Qatar Cup; Al Ittihad surge clear in Saudi Arabia

Doha: Al Duhail SC stayed on course for a domestic quadruple after lifting the Qatar Cup by defeating Al Sadd SC.

In Saudi Arabia, Al Ittihad moved three points clear at the top after defeating Al Wehda.
 
Shabab Al Ahli, meanwhile, maintained their title winning pace in the United Arab Emirates while there was also domestic action in Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait and Oman so join the-AFC.com as we review the week gone by in West Asia. 

Asian stars chasing European glory

Thu, 06 Apr, 2023

Asian stars chasing European glory

Kuala Lumpur: Football in Europe is entering its business end and many Asian players are still vying for coveted prizes in its club competitions, namely the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Women’s Champions League, the UEFA Europa League and the UEFA Europa Conference League. 

Since Korea Republic legend Park Ji-sung lifted the Champions League with Manchester United in 2008, Son Heung-min has reached the final with Tottenham Hotspur in 2019 and Japan’s Takumi Minamino did likewise with Liverpool in 2022, but both settled for runner-up medals just like Islamic Republic of Iran legend Ali Daei in 1999.

It's a good thing for Asia, says Son after becoming first Asian to score 100 Premier League goals

Sun, 09 Apr, 2023

It's a good thing for Asia, says Son after becoming first Asian to score 100 Premier League goals

London: Son Heung-min dedicated his historic goal in Tottenham's 2-1 win against Brighton to his late grandfather after the Korea Republic star became the first Asian to score 100 times in the Premier League.

Son reached his century in style with a superb curling finish to put Tottenham ahead in the first half in north London on Saturday.

Afer Lewis Dunk's equaliser, Harry Kane's 79th-minute winner ensured Son's goal wouldn't go to waste as fifth-placed Tottenham stayed in the hunt to qualify for the UEFA Champions League via a top-four finish.

Ai Kesen joins Chengdu

Sun, 09 Apr, 2023

Ai Kesen joins Chengdu

Hong Kong: China PR international striker Ai Kesen has completed his long-expected move to Chinese Super League side Chengdu Rongcheng as his former Guangzhou FC teammate Wei Shihao signed for reigning champions Wuhan Three Towns.

Ai Kesen has been training with Chengdu since January but the club confirmed his signing a week before the new Chinese Super League campaign kicks off, with Rongcheng due to take on Henan FC next Sunday.

The 33-year-old returns to the country after a year in Brazil, where he played for Gremio after being released by Guangzhou following the club’s financial struggles.